The Third Party is a theoretical political party, formed for the purpose of policy discussion. It could eventuate as a political party.

The main impetus for its creation is the perceived need by its convenor, Barry Tucker, to break the dominance of Australian politics by the Duopoly, the two major parties, Liberal and Labor.

Another motivation is the discontent with politics due to broken promises, corporate lobbying, questionable fund-raising, corruption and the selection of non-local candidates.

The 2013 federal election was remarkable for the size of the Senate ballot paper due to the number of Independent and micro parties, a near-scandal involving preference brokering, or harvesting, and missing ballot papers. A Senate committee has recommended changes, including raising the minimum size of new parties from the present 500 members to 1,500 members. This does not seem to be democratic.

Declaration of platform and principles

The protection of the freedoms provided by the evolving global information society,

The transparency of institutions, and

The restoration of the freedoms and balance lost through the encroachment of harmful and overbearing intellectual monopolies.

As part of an international movement, we seek not only to change national laws, but to reform perceptions and effect worldwide change. We seek this democratically, through parliamentary elections and lobbying of government.

The Australian Labor Party is the country’s oldest political party, tracing its beginnings back to 1891. It has governed Australia since 2007 and produced Australia’s first female Prime Minister, Ms Julia Gillard.

The party is noted for fighting for workers’ rights (true to its origins) and for introducing social reforms.

The Nationals is one of Australia’s oldest political parties. It was originally the Australian Country Party and today is known by various names in various States and Territories. In the Northern Territory it is known as the Liberal Country Party. The party represents regional voters and their interests. It is a partner in the federal Liberal National Party Coalition.

The Nationals have 22 policy headings in their 2013 election platform. Each has a detailed explanation and you can read them in this document.

“In the inalienable rights and freedoms of all peoples; and we work towards a lean government that minimises interference in our daily lives; and maximises individual and private sector initiative.”

Under the menu item Our Plan, you can click to download a .pdf file that covers Our Plan Real Solutions for All Australians or watch a video of federal Liberal Parliamentary Party leader Mr Abbott talking about the plan.

Below that, and below a photograph of some shadow cabinet members, click on the caption Show me more like Our Plan: Real Solutions for All Australians. You will then be led through a rigamarole that requires you to submit your email address before you can read more of the Liberal party’s policies. You will have to pay $9 for a Scribd. subscription before you can continue.

Under the menu item Who we are, you will find Core Values and Principles, the closest thing to a list of policies.

These statements appear on the site, under Who We are:

Principle is something seriously lacking from Australian politics at present and has been for some time. The Australian Party however has been founded with a strong set of principles and values in mind.

Issues surrounding the freedom for Australians to enjoy their way of life and personal freedoms, the protection of Australian jobs and industries, are all part of the Party’s commitment to ‘do the right thing’ by Australians.

And this one:

Katter’s Australian Party intends to change the direction of Australian prosperity through job creation, establishment of infrastructure and support for Australian-owned businesses. Another major desire is the restoration of personal freedoms that have been unnecessarily eroded over recent decades.

A party spokesman advises that some new policies are being added and others are being rewritten in plain language that will be easier to understand. This process should be completed by July 9, 2013.

The KAP says it expects its members to vote in the interests of their electorate.

The Australian Independents carries out extensive polling in all electorates across Australia, consults regularly with local communities and holds monthly community feed-back forums in order to stay in touch with the Australian electorate.

Its political candidates and politicians are genuinely committed to representing their electorates. They are the only politicians in Australia who are required to shelve their own beliefs, views and policy priorities and fight for what their constituents want. Its constitution requires its politicians to put aside personal feelings, earnestly listen to, protect and stand up for their constituents in parliament.

The Palmer United Party has five basic policies in the Policies menu, and a wide ranging statement of beliefs and further descriptions of its policies in 22 entries under National Policy. When you get there, click on this symbol > to scroll through them.

All official policies of the Australian Democrats are formulated by a process of participatory democracy. Each policy is finally determined by a secret ballot of all members. Read the Member Balloted Policies.